Inside this Article

• BASF Coatings is strengthening its role in robotics-enabled automotive refinish.
• The company said it is combining coatings expertise, digital color management and application process know-how.
• Initial robotics applications focus on standardized primer, basecoat and clearcoat application on complete vehicle parts.

BASF Coatings is strengthening its role in robotics-enabled automotive refinish by combining coatings expertise, digital color management and application process know-how.

The company said it is working with OEMs, robotics suppliers, pilot customers and industry partners to support robotics-enabled paint application in body shops. BASF Coatings does not develop robotics hardware, but said it differentiates through coatings, application process and system integration expertise within automotive refinish.

Robotics is positioned as an extension of BASF Coatings’ end-to-end digital color process. Within the Refinity® ecosystem, digital color scanning, matching, mixing and workflow management support efficient and consistent repair processes. BASF Coatings said robotics adds another step by connecting digital process control with physical paint application.

“Robotics brings together digital color management and physical application in a single connected process,” said Chen Liu, Global Head of Technology Automotive Refinish Coatings. “The true differentiation lies not in the robot itself, but in how BASF integrates coatings, process and application expertise to deliver consistent quality in real-world body shop environments. By combining these strengths, we are shaping scalable and repeatable application standards that will define the future of automotive refinish.”

Initial robotics applications primarily focus on standardized primer, basecoat and clearcoat applications on complete vehicle parts. BASF Coatings said repeatability, throughput and material efficiency are key drivers. Broader use in processes such as blending or interior painting is expected as the technology matures.

“We see robotics as an important future topic for Automotive Refinish and want to help customers navigate this evolving environment with confidence,” said Roar Solberg, Vice President Automotive Refinish Coatings EMEA. “Our approach is to provide orientation, validation and close collaboration so customers can make informed decisions about future-ready repair processes.”

BASF Coatings said its approach supports the development of more efficient, consistent and future-ready repair operations globally.